Georgia committee mulls authority over Atlanta airport

WABE-FM reports the committee did not propose any legislation, but adopted a recommendation to establish a new authority “to oversee and hold accountable the business enterprise and operations” of the airport.

State Sen. Burt Jones, who chaired the committee, said that the current management structure, with power consolidated with the City of Atlanta, isn’t working. Jones pointed to past corruption scandals, including one involving alleged impropriety in the awarding of airport contracts.

But city officials have pushed back, saying the airport has been successfully managed — becoming one of the world’s busiest airports — under Atlanta’s leadership.

Delta Air Lines, headquartered in Atlanta, has also opposed a state takeover.